Curriculum

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

This course explores financial and consumer math, the geometry of flat and 3-dimensional spaces, and the basics of statistical analysis. Integrating mathematical equations and concepts in the context of problem solving and discovery, students complete projects and assignments demonstrating the effective use of quantitative tools to support their conclusions.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audiences attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

This course explores the science of creativity and emphasizes a psychological and socio-cultural approach. Students analyze and develop their own creative process through a quarter-long design project.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues.

This course facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the job market. Students explore critical components of employment in order to prepare for their job search; the ultimate result is placement in their desired career. Students learn how to build a meaningful resume, navigate career sites, including FIDM Career Network and LinkedIn, effectively research desired industry and organizations, and perfect interviewing techniques and skills. This is a Pass/Fail class necessary for FIDM graduation. In addition to nine (9) hours of class workcomprised of three consecutive classes, three (3) hours eachstudents should be prepared for an additional three (3) hours of homework for each of the three weeks.

This course examines the subtle and overt ways in which society marginalizes and discriminates against groups of people including, but not limited to, racial, cultural and ethnic groups, religious groups, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities (including physical and mental challenges), gender fluidity and LGBTQIA+. Students will not only study the historical realities, institutions, and a legal system that have enabled discrimination to continue, they will delve into the roots of hatred, fear and bias, the very foundations of prejudice and discrimination, in order to become conscious of and active in their own contributions to a more just and inclusive society.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nations rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, Americas eventual emergence as the worlds only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

An introduction to the basic techniques of representative drawing using pencil and value markers. Students sketch and critique still-life settings, interior, and exterior elements. Emphasis is placed on students ability to produce representational drawings within a short time frame.

Further development of representational drawing techniques is emphasized. Fundamental concepts of one and two point perspective are introduced. Use of markers, both gray scale and the introduction of color marker applications are added. Exercises reinforcing conceptual drawing and design visualization are produced. Prerequisite: INTD 1000A

An introduction to the principles and techniques of architectural drafting. Students learn to create plans, elevations, sections, and detailed views of objects and spaces to produce construction documents to meet standard conventions.

This course focuses on understanding the concepts of computer-aided design and drafting, and learning the various applications of AutoCAD. Development of vocabulary and basic skills. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A

Further development of the skills needed to produce computer-aided drawings are emphasized. Demonstrating the use of these skills, students gain a working knowledge of the application of the design process by creating sets of contract documents appropriate for interior spaces including formatting and cross-referencing drawings. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B

This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop and Illustration software design techniques, naming conventions, and digital asset management. Students gain a basic knowledge of digital design components, vector, raster, tools, and menu items. Concepts serve as a digital foundation for industry-standard computer aided design communication.

Study of the progression from inspiration to execution in the design process. Analysis of the techniques used to resolve aesthetic relationships with two- and three-dimensional objects.

This is a survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from Egypt through the early 19th century. The course is designed to introduce the concepts and terminology incorporating major social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

Study of residential space planning and utilization of interior space as applied to functional and aesthetic requirements. Emphasis is on schematic and quick presentation work for both plans and elevations. Students apply anthropometric and ergonomic principles in space planning. Prerequisite: INTD 1090A

An introduction to the basic 2-D and 3-D commands utilizing SketchUp to construct 3-D objects and interior design applications. Emphasis is placed upon developing skills necessary for visualization, representation, and creation in the conceptional stages of design.

This course continues the survey of the historical styles of architecture, furniture, and interiors from the 19th century to the 21st century incorporating the major social, economic, political, and cultural factors. Prerequisite: INTD 1350

This course is an in-depth approach to the design and composition of presentation images, illustrations, layouts, and renderings for interior design applications. Students demonstrate an understanding of elements typical in 3-D production for interior design presentation utilizing content from other software environments (i.e., Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp).

A study of commercial space planning, methods of planning, design analysis, and problem-solving, and an introduction to regulatory issues, construction methods and techniques, materials, and furnishings. Students develop design and production skills, utilizing AutoCAD. Prerequisite: INTD 1090B

Students use and comprehend the technical and aesthetic principles of lighting design for commercial and residential applications. Basic properties of light as used in rendering, photography, and computer-generated visualizations are taught. Prerequisites: INTD 1090B

Students are introduced to materials, finishes, and furnishings, with methods for understanding appropriate application, estimating, and specifications as they apply to residential and non-residential interior environments.

Students are introduced to materials, finishes, and furnishings, with methods for understanding appropriate application, estimating, and specifications as they apply to residential and non-residential interior environments.

A comprehensive project demonstrating residential and commercial themes in a mixed use format. Focusing on functional space planning and design, code requirements and material specifications, the students will prepare a proposal for a specific design project. Construction documentation and presentation drawings incorporating both hand and digital applications will culminate in a formal presentation suitable for portfolio. Studio Prerequisites: INTD 1090C, INTD 2000, INTD 2050, INTD 2810 Must take concurrently with INTD 2930 & INTD 2980

An exploration of the business practices necessary to develop and maintain an interior design firm. Topics include professional ethics, contract documents, vendor relations, association membership, marketing, networking and social media opportunities. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with INTD 2830 & INTD 2980

Students explore and develop a portfolio format suitable to incorporate a representative sampling of work into a finished portfolio. Design exercises in specification, representation of materials, and renderings are emphasized to enhance a professional quality presentation. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with INTD 2830 & INTD 2930

Elective: One Three-Unit Course

A survey of textiles from pre-Columbian, Coptic, Sassanian, Persian, Egyptian, and Peruvian through 20th century Art Deco. Emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze pattern development, materials, and constructions from historic periods. Students research how political, social, and environmental factors influence textile patterns.

This course examines the textile processesfiber through finishing. Emphasis is placed on fiber, yarn, basic weaves, finishing, and dyeing. Students gain knowledge and experience in selecting appropriate fabrics for specific end uses in interiors. Students test fabrics to determine suitable performance levels related to those end uses.